Near Grant in Perkins County, Nebraska — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Wild Horse Spring

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 21, 2014

1. Wild Horse Spring Marker

Inscription. Named for the beautiful, spirited wild horses so numerous in this area when white men first visited this lush plains, this Spring symbolized the hope and faith its discovery brought to the early pioneers. Though the rich land beckoned them, men seeking homesteads had been reluctant to settle this land, so strange and forbidding because of its lack of known water sources.

In the early days this Spring served to quench the thirst of the wild horses, buffalo and other wild animals of the region. Later, its clear, cool waters refreshed the hot and thirsty cowboy, trail weary from the long trek between Stinking Water Creek and the Platte River.

It was never an abundant source of water but it was sufficient to supply the needs of the early settlers until they could dig wells for themselves. The precious, lifegiving water from this Spring, so far from any stream, provided comfort and courage to the men and women who established their homes in this part of the frontier, and it is to them that this marker is dedicated.

Erected by Perkins County Historical Society & Historical Land Mark Council. (Marker Number 29.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Settlements & Settlers

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. In addition, it is included in the Nebraska State Historical Society series list.

Location. 40° 54.395′ N, 101° 43.677′ W. Marker is near Grant, Nebraska, in Perkins County. Marker is on State Highway 61, on the left when traveling north. This marker is located at a side-road pullout on Highway 61 about 4 1/2 miles north of Grant. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Grant NE 69140, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 6 other markers are within 16 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. The Texas Trail (approx. 10.7 miles away); Oregon Trail (approx. 13.7 miles away); Sand Hill Station (approx. 13.7 miles away); Chain – O – Lakes (approx. 13.9 miles away); Purple Heart (approx. 13.9 miles away); Diamond Springs Station (approx. 15.7 miles away).

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 21, 2014

2. Wild Horse Spring Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on December 4, 2014, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 569 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 4, 2014, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.